Sunday, January 27, 2008

Joy Thru My Teardrops

I just walked in moments ago to find out that Tristan Hostetter has gone home to heaven. This beautiful little boy shone for Jesus for 8 amazing weeks before he was called home this afternoon. He was born just days after Poppy, and I have prayed for him and his family every day since. Even though our story was not the same as the Hostetter’s, I have watched with so much joy as I have seen Yvette, Trayc, Tanner and Tayden love this special baby with everything in them. I am so grateful to God that He chose to give them this time, yet now they need our prayers intensely as they walk forward into the grief of not having him with them.

There is something that I have wanted to share for quite a while, and as soon as I heard this news, God impressed upon my heart that the time is now. This poem has a special place in my heart. My mom, who I look up to as one of my greatest heroes, wrote this out of the deepest heartache of her life. The words are for anyone grieving, hurting, and desperately needing to be held by Jesus. It was written to be sung to the music of “A Few of My Favorite Things.” Tonight, this is my prayer for sweet Yvette and the many others who are lifting up their broken hearts to Jesus. I hope the words bless you.

Joy thru my teardrops, and gains thru my lossesBeauty for ashes, and crowns for my crosses;He binds my wounds, and He dries all my tearsCalms every storm and He conquers my fears.

He gives me hinds’ feet to walk on high places,He floods my soul with His heavenly graces;When I am weak then His strength makes me strongI know I can trust Him, He’s never been wrong.

Trials may come and temptations assail meThough I may falter, He never will fail me;So Satan I bind you in His holy nameFor at the cross Jesus’ blood overcame!

When the doubt comes, when I’m lonelyWhen my heart is sad;I’ll lift up mine eyes to my Savior aboveAnd Jesus will make me glad.

When in my heart there is sadness and sorrowJesus has promised a brighter tomorrow;Victory is mine, yes, it’s already wonI’ve only to claim it by faith in God’s Son.

All of my cares I will cast down before HimEven in trials my heart will adore Him;He bears my burdens, He comforts my soulOh why should I worry when He’s in control?

Lord in the time of deep grief and emotionI will yet serve You with constant devotion;You have not failed me one step of the wayThat is the reason I’ll trust You and say:

I will praise You! I will praise You!Jesus Christ my King;For You fill my heart with a song in the nightYes, You make my heart to sing!

Thinking of you as I read the news today. My heart is heavy for their loss. Your mom wrote such precious words from her loss. Thank you for sharing it.Praying for you each day as you move forward and praying for the baby God has for you.:)

What a blessing your mom is. Please tell her how touched I am by her beautiful words...what a precious gift. Thank you for sharing it. My prayers continue for you and all of the families who have experienced such deep losses. May God continue to uphold you with His mighty hand.

I am a friend of Kenzie & Dusty's. Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful poem your mom wrote. I will continue to pray for your family & thank you for sharing with so many unknown others the persuit of living life out for Christ. His grace is sufficent, and in our weakness we may give Christ the glory. Beccy in Knoxville

I have one "healthy" son who is 11. My angel went to God at 13 months of life due to Turner syndrome and a heart defect aht went along with that. I went on to have 3 miscarriages and one ectopic pregnacy. Then adopted a beautiful baby girl at birth (domestic adoption). I will be praying for you as you explore this journey. I have read all your entries and Poppy is a lucky girl to call you mom and dad

Dear Angie,This is such a beautiful poem. I have had a hard time praying the last few days - except the ones I have "had" to say in front of my girls. I am actually looking forward to singing these sweet words to them tonight. Thank you for sharing this - I needed it desperately which I am sure God knew.Love,Kim

I heard this poem today on Love Worth Finding - - Adrian Rogers said his daughter wrote it when she was in the 12th grade. Are you his granddaughter? If so, what a godly heritage you have! I shared it today with a young woman whose 4 month old died of SIDS last month and I'm sure it was a blessing to her and her husband, too.

I've heard this poem before. I was listening to a pastor - Dr. Adrian Rogers and in one of his messages he read this poem and said that his daughter wrote it when she was in the 12th grade. It has spoken to me since I first heard it. It is beautiful!